Scientists modified a laser microscope by adding a microscanner mirror made using MEMS technology
After removal of the tumor to the surrounding tissuea liquid tumor marker developed by the institute’s staff is applied. A laser scanning microscope is placed over the operated tissues. The mirror oscillates inside the microscope at a frequency of several thousand times per second, directing blue laser light with a wavelength of 488 nm.
When the microscope's blue laser beam collideswith healthy cells, the reflected light is blocked by an interference filter, which allows light of only a certain wavelength to pass through. However, if the laser beam comes into contact with cancer cells, the tumor marker emits fluorescent green light, which passes through the filter and is detected by the system.
The researchers note that the resolution of the systemso large that even individual tumor cells can be detected and displayed on the instrument's display. At the same time, the developers add, images can be obtained in different planes, which makes it possible to find tumor cells hidden under other tissues.
Visualization of cancer cells on the display. Photo:Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems
"For the first time, a powerful portable lasera scanning microscope that can be placed next to the patient in the operating room,” says Michael Scholles, head of the FIFM Center for Microelectronics and Optical Systems for Biomedicine. “Inspection of the operating field takes only a few seconds.”
Researchers have confirmed the effectivenessdeveloped by them oncomarker for the detection of tumor cells of the brain and skin. Now scientists are testing whether other cancer cells will react in a similar way.
Traditionally, during operations to removetumor surgeons took tissue samples around the removed area and sent them to the laboratory. The test took several minutes, if the results showed the presence of cancer cells, then more tissue had to be removed and the test repeated. This approach, as the researchers note, increases the burden on the patient.
“Our laser microscope can do everythingnecessary research right in the process of operation. In addition, it protects the surrounding tissues - the surgeon sees exactly where healthy cells begin, ”adds Scholles.
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